Willard Nathan Sackett, 92, returned to his heavenly home on March 17, 2018 at the VA Home in Union Grove, WI.

Willard was born to the late Mert and Cora Sackett in Pleasant Hill Township, IL on June 26, 1925. He spent the first part of his life as a farmer until he joined the United States Army 127 Air Borne Engineers Battalion. During his tour of duty at Honshu, Japan, he was trained and responsible for the operation and maintenance of heavy motorized equipment. In 1947, he received an honorable discharge as a testimonial of his honest and faithful service to his country. His new skills as an equipment operator made him a perfect fit for Caterpillar Tractor Company in East Peoria, IL. He retired from Caterpillar after 35 years of employment.

Willard was blessed with a loving family. He married Betty M. (Winder) on April 12, 1952 in Winchester, IL. Willard helped raise his four children with patience, discipline and humility. He enjoyed spending time with his family traveling, fishing, camping, and playing cards or board games. Spending his winters in Texas with Betty was one thing he always looked forward to.

Willard is survived by his wife, Betty; his daughters Debra Sackett, Tina Emerson (m. Joe Emerson), and Leslie Leith (m. William Leith); his grandchildren Catrina Sackett, Wendy Jo Lipsey (m. Chris Lipsey), and Nathan Emerson (m. Jessica Emerson), his great-grandchildren, Josie, Kiki, and Leiporshia Lipsey, Penelope and Pheobe Williams, and his sisters Lula Mae Bradshaw, Juanita Miller, Cora Watts, and Myrtle Tharp, He is preceded in death by his parents, his son Carl Wayne Sackett, his brothers Lacey, Russell, twin Willus, and his sisters Hattie, Annebelle, and Mary.

Willard was a kind and soft-spoken man who is dearly missed by his loved ones, but they celebrate in the fact that he is at peace with his creator. A 2:00 p.m. viewing will take place at the Oak Hines Funeral Home in Elmwood on Saturday, March 24, 2018, with the funeral service starting at 3:00 and burial with military honors immediately following at the Elmwood Cemetery. Flowers and condolences can be sent to Oak-Hines Funeral Home, 702 W. Main St., Elmwood, IL. Memorials may be made to the Wisconsin Veterans Home Union Grove.

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